Gareth Southgate says it will be ‘a huge responsibility and a huge honour' to manage England for the remainder of 2016.
The Under-21 coach has taken charge of the senior side for its next four matches following the decision to part company with Sam Allardyce.
Southgate told TheFA.com: “I was very proud to have played more than 50 times for my country and to have worn the armband, so to manage England will be a huge responsibility and a huge honour for me.
“It’s a difficult circumstance for me, because we’ve lost two senior coaches in the last few months who have both been very good to me, so that complicates my feelings. I certainly wish them both all the best for the future.
“I think we are in a good position to prepare for these games”
Gareth Southgate
“With my experience with the Under-21s in international football, and having worked with so many of the players who have moved up to the seniors as well, I think we are in a good position to prepare for these games.”
The Three Lions take on Malta at Wembley on Saturday 8 October before a trip to Slovenia three days later, with Southgate due to name his squad this weekend.
“It’s obviously been a difficult situation for The FA but it was important that there was some stability and continuity for everybody,” said the 46-year-old.
“So, from my point of view, it was important to step forward and give us the best possible chance to win these games.
“The fact that I know so many of the support team and the players already is really important, given the time that we have to prepare for these matches.”
